Paul was appointed Chairman of the Somerset NHS system in 2022. He is a Chartered Accountant and business adviser by background. He left practice after almost 30 years to run a substantial business for many years. Subsequently he became a non-executive director and then Chairman of Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for a decade – he was active in the bringing together of the NHS organisations in the county through innovative ideas and believing that change can be for the good. This breadth of experience has given him an insight into how different individuals have succeeded and to recognise the help and encouragement people need. He has admired the extraordinary achievements of people with widely diverse backgrounds which inspires him to hope for more.
He is convinced that the close collaboration between Somerset Council, a new unitary authority, and the coterminous NHS integrated Care System is an exciting opportunity to support innovative collaboration across our communities and neighbourhoods. This will confirm that the South-West is a great place for young people to make their future and have fulfilling jobs.
Paul has joined the Commission because he believes that everyone has the potential to succeed and be fulfilled but that circumstances can inhibit people from achieving that. He hopes that through the Commission’s work all those who influence people’s life chances can become more aware and open-minded about how to help talent flourish and be fulfilled; that the environments we create throughout society and the supporting services, public and private, educational and social, can liberate those who live in the South-West to achieve their aspirations whatever they may be.
The South-West Social Mobility Commission is generously supported by:
We rely entirely on external funding. To support our work, please get in touch here.
